The New Voluntary Business Preparedness Certification Program

Overview

On August 3, 2007, U.S. legislation was passed to create a new voluntary business preparedness certification program. This program can provide a method for businesses to assess their level of emergency preparedness. The program also has the potential to facilitate acknowledgement and potential benefits to the businesses that undertake preparedness. The establishing legislation is the "Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007" (Public Law 110-53). Title IX of this Act, Section 524 addresses the new program.

Currently, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is engaged in the process to fulfill its charge under the law to initiate the national voluntary certification program. While government plays an important initiator role, the program is to be administered outside of government with wide private sector involvement.

Working Groups to Inform the Development of the Program

InterCEP seeks to serve as a catalyst for business sector involvement and plans to work with other organizations to promote both awareness of the program and input into its development. To that end, the Center is hosting a series of working groups in order to expand and focus stakeholder involvement in the ongoing development of the program. These working groups will build on the momentum established in various forums hosted in the past by the Center but will promote more focused discussion and input around targeted topics. The working groups include:

Online Clearinghouse of Information on the Program

InterCEP also seeks to provide a central location for information about the program as it develops to facilitate greater understanding and discourse. Key briefings, proceedings and other relevant documents will be provided online. Recommendations by stakeholders of relevant information for the clearinghouse is welcomed. A link to the Clearinghouse is provided below.